Jason Crow, candidate for Congressional District 6

Candidate Q&A

How would choosing you for this office improve the lives of residents of the district?

Coloradans deserve a fighter who puts people over politics and country over party. Our current representation has failed to deliver on its most fundamental promises — from reforming our immigration system to expanding access to quality and affordable health care. I'll bring servant leadership back to Washington and never forget to put Coloradans first.

What should Congress do to address the nation's opioid epidemic?

The opioid epidemic is the worst drug-overdose crisis in American history. The number of opioid-related overdoses rose by nearly 28 percent between 2015 and 2016. The Trump administration and its Republicans allies in Congress have simply been too slow to respond. I'll commit to partnering with local communities to solve this crisis with all the best practices we can find at the national level. Some communities have made real headway here — it should be the federal government's job to provide the resources and the expertise Colorado needs to make a difference.

What is your position on immigration reform?

The current leadership in Washington has failed to get it done — despite enjoying complete control of Congress and the White House. My policies will focus on a few key elements: smart border control that upholds our laws and protects American interests, legal immigration reform, protection and a path to citizenship for those who came to America as children, keeping families together, and a clear path to citizenship for those who want to follow the law and contribute to our community.

What can be done to improve the nation's health care system?

This administration's efforts to gut the Affordable Care Act are immoral and unproductive. Health care is a right, not a privilege. That means all our efforts should be dedicated toward expanding coverage to every American — not kicking them off their current coverage. We can start by allowing the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and introducing a federal public option into the marketplace. Plans like Medicare X will also make immediate progress by reducing costs and ensuring quality coverage.

What are two other issues that demand attention from Congress, and why?

Our campaign finance system is in desperate need of reform. I've challenged my opponent to join me in refusing to take any corporate PAC money. That money makes our politicians more accountable to big business than to the people they represent. I will also vigorously oppose any effort to privatize the VA. Our government has an obligation to care for the veterans it sends to war on its behalf, and that means keeping their care out of the hands of profit-seeking companies that don't have their best interests at heart.

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